The First Punch: If you were unaware, back in April Yves Saint Laurent released a collection of red soled shoes. Hmmmm red soles . . . sound familiar? Duh! Of course it does! Christian Louboutin is known for his red soles! YSL could have chosen any color red, but decided on the exact color as Louboutin! Furious that YSL would even dare to produce such a collection, he sued. After all, Louboutin did have a U.S. Patent on the color back in 2008.
The Fight: This summer the feud between the two grew rough in court. In the end, Judge Marrero decided that the patent that Louboutin had over the color was "too broad" and that trademarking a particular color is unfair to others in the industry.
Christian Louboutin is not one to get knocked out in the first round, so after hearing the ruling he appealed.
Come on, did you really think he would give up without a fight?
So now, in the midst of the appeal a surprise twist has come about! Or should I say little blue box? Tiffany & Co. has decided to jump in on the drama and tag team with Louboutin! Tiffany & Co. is joining the appeal against YSL as a amicus curiae, which basically means an outsider who feels that the outcome of the case could effect their business.
Tiffany released this statement just days ago:
"The unique colors can be used as trademarks!"
The popular jewelry company is known for their trademark Robin's egg blue packaging, so if Louboutin looses his trademark what could happen to them? Tiffany's is going to help the court's decision by providing information assisting the appeal! YSL better back down soon because who knows who else will be joining the fight next!
Louboutin brand's lawyer Harley Lewin replied to Tiffany&Co. for joining the fight with:
"We are very pleased to have the support of Tiffany, Tiffany not only share our complaints, and issued a strong argument, and said before the trial results should be revoked."
Red & blue never looked better!
Tiffany & Co. is the first to join, but will they be the last? The fashion industry has many trademarks within it that all designers respect. You don't see Kay jewelers producing a Robin's egg blue box for their customers, do you?! Prada wouldn't dare try to show a collection with the same plaid as Burberry. And Tommy Hilifiger would never produce a collared shirt with a polo player similar to Ralph Lauren!! That all would just be a catastrophe!
Keep up dear readers, as the case is still going on and The Society will be the first to keep you updated on this chaos! Until then make sure to read WWD for even more stories and we leave you with this question . . . What side are you on?
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